NBA Playoffs 2012: 5 Things the Philadelphia 76ers Must Do to Win Game 2

The Philadelphia 76ers fell to the Boston Celtics in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals in a game they had no business losing. For three quarters, the Sixers looked like the better team, flashing a more consistent offense and a stingier defense.

Unfortunately, as the fourth quarter came and went, the Sixers could not harness any of the sharp jump shooting that had propelled them into the lead in the first half. In addition to some poor shot selection and streaky shooting, Rajon Rondo and Kevin Garnett combined to torch the Sixer defense.

Garnett finished with 29 points on 12-of-20 shooting and Rondo cleaned up with one of his signature triple-doubles, posting 13 points, 12 rebounds and 17 assists in 40 minutes of work.

For the Sixers to steal home court advantage from the Celtics, they will need to put together a complete game from start to finish. Streaky shooting won't cut it, and they will need to find a go-to scorer down the stretch.

Crash the Boards

In the regular season the Boston Celtics finished 30th in the NBA in rebounds per game at 38.8 per contest. On the other hand, the Sixers finished seventh with 43 rebounds per game.

In Game 1, the Sixers were out-rebounded only marginally, but the Celtics maintained the upper hand on the offensive glass.

Although neither team is big in the frontcourt, the Sixers possess younger, stronger players who are capable of crashing the glass. In order to secure a win in Game 2 it's absolutely crucial that the Sixers limit Boston's second chance opportunities and do their very best to box out.

Look for Elton Brand to make a more significant impact on the glass in Game 2.

Get Lou Williams Hot

One of the league's premier reserves, Lou Williams never quite found his shot against the Chicago Bulls. It didn't look like he made any progress in Game 1 against the Celtics.

Williams finished 4-of-11 from the field (1-of-4 from three) for only nine points. However, a more surprising number is 24. That's how many minutes Lou played in Game 1.

With Jrue Holiday and Evan Turner becoming the team's go-to threats down the stretch these past few weeks, Williams' role as the centerpiece of a diverse backcourt has started to vanish.

Williams was the Sixers leading scorer during the regular season, and if they want to strike fear into the hearts of the Celtics and their fans, the half-court offense is going to have to run through him first.

Find Elton Brand Some Minutes

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Elton Brand was an absolute non-factor in Game 1, scoring four points in just 15 minutes of work. With the Celtics going small on several occasions on Saturday night, Brand was forced out of the lineup in favor of the more versatile Thaddeus Young.

Brand may be on the downside of his career, but he's a veteran leader who can set the tone for the Sixers. However, he can't set the tone if he's not on the floor.

If Brand is going to steal some minutes they're going to come early, as Doug Collins has gone with Thaddeus Young late in games throughout the playoffs.

If Brand is able to knock down some shots early and get into a rhythm, the Sixers will find themselves a new offensive weapon that's capable of knocking down 12 foot jumpers consistently.